We are thrilled about the ways our team has grown in numbers and strategic focus over the last year! Allow us to introduce you to not only our newest team members, but also to new roles taken on by long-time team members like Marcos.

Dr. Marcos Orison de Almeida, PhD., Vice President for Strategic Initiatives.

Marcos has moved into his new position at Scholar Leaders, after serving with the Vital Sustainability Initiative since 2016. He has worked at South American Theological Seminary in numerous roles, including as President from 2006-2010, and works with the Brazilian Department of Education evaluating theological institutions. He brings all these skills, and many years of experience with Scholar Leaders, to this new role.

Aaron Harrison, M.Div., Manager of Donor Engagement.

Aaron joined Scholar Leaders in January 2024. He combines passion for theological education with a fundraising skillset, having previously taught at Northern Seminary, and working with Advancement at Wheaton College. Aaron earned his M.Div. from Duke Divinity School, has been in pastoral ministry for 10 years, and lives with his wife and son in Carol Stream, IL. 

Manivanh Kyh, Senior Advisor, PhD., Philanthropic Strategy and Innovation.

With a deep commitment to philanthropy and global development, Manivanh brings over 15 years of experience to her role as a forward-thinking leader. Her journey is shaped by a rich tapestry of cultural and familial influences, driving her dedication to kingdom-minded change. From directing impactful grantmaking initiatives at First Fruit, Inc. to cultivating alliances across varied communities, Manivanh’s professional achievements resonate with her diverse expertise gained from serving with the Peace Corps in West Africa, and furthering her studies from UC Berkeley, Pepperdine, and USC. She resides in California, where she enjoys serving on the board of her local Hmong and Lao church, baking sourdough bread, and solving Rubik’s cubes with her husband and two children.

Darshak Toma, Collection Development Assistant.

Darshak is an ordained minister with the United Church of Christ in Nigeria since 2004. He came to the United States to advance his studies where he is currently pursuing a PhD in Old Testament at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Since 2016, Darshak has been actively volunteering at Theological Book Network. His commitment has led to a part-time internship (Curricular Practical Training) position since 2022. Darshak and his wife, Nankal, are blessed with three children and reside in Michigan.

Kaylie Nieboer, Administration.

Kaylie just recently joined the team at Scholar Leaders and has loved the opportunity to reenter the workforce after 13 years spent staying home with her 6 wonderful children.  She is married to the love of her life, Tim and they reside in Middleville, Michigan.  Growing up as a pastor’s kid, she understands the importance of strong leaders in the Christian community and is blessed to be a part of this ministry.

Sandi Braunohler Nicely, Development Coordinator.

Sandi joined Theological Book Network in 2023 after significant work with Forest Hills Public Schools as their Director of Youth Sports and Enrichment. Her passion for serving the underserved has led her to integrate her experience with Scholar Leaders’ commitment to providing academic resources to the Global Church. She is married to Craig Nicely, has five children and twelve grandchildren, and finds immense joy and fulfillment in her family. 

Rolin Timmerman, Warehouse Manager.

Rolin came to the Theological Book Network in 2006 where he did a myriad of jobs from Office Manager, working in the warehouse and international logistics. Over the years he found himself doing several of the jobs at TBN before settling in as warehouse manager. Rolin attended Calvin University where he got his BA in Communications Arts and Science and had a 13-year job in radio where he was on the morning show at WLAV-FM. He resides in Grand Rapids Michigan with his wonderful wife Polly and daughter Emily.

Scott Watson, Director of Acquisitions.

Scott joined Theological Book Network in 2021, leveraging his years of experience within theological education and publishing. As the Director of Acquisitions, his role involves sourcing relevant inventory and carefully curating books to align with the specific needs of our Majority World partners. He collaborates closely with school administrators, faculty, scholars, librarians, and various stakeholders to achieve this goal. Scott holds a BA in Comparative Religion from Western Michigan University and a Master of Arts in Biblical Exegesis from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He resides in Grand Rapids, MI, with his wife and two daughters.

Scott Reynolds, Director of Finance and Administration.

Scott serves as the Director of Finance and Operations. He joined the work of Scholar Leaders with a background in finance, law, classical education, and coffee, among other things, supported by a law degree from Columbia University and a masters’ degree in history from Indiana University. He and his wife reside among the rolling hills of southern Indiana.